Your special 2023 horoscope: Prepare for big change — with a transit not seen since the Age of Enlightenment

Is there anything as hopeful as the start of a new year? 2023 will offer us opportunities to reshape how we work together, approach power structures and find satisfaction. Here is a look at some of the most notable planetary movements in the coming year. 

Our first significant transit comes on March 7, when responsible Saturn moves into intuitive Pisces, making space for fresh starts. The powers of Pisces are a bit like fungi — they're able to transform what's decayed into something new and beautiful. When the ringed planet travels through this mutable water sign, he encourages us to shed outdated concepts and unhealthy patterns, and strive to be more accepting of ourselves and others. Saturn will inhabit Pisces for just shy of three years, allowing us to really reframe how we operate in the world. 

Shortly after, on March 23, transformative Pluto enters progressive Aquarius, shifting our relationship with power. In astrology, Pluto represents the collective will, and when he inhabits this fixed air sign, he asks us to break down barriers and consider what's best for humanity. Throughout this transit, we may find ourselves stepping away from our need to conquer and toward a new attitude of liberation, full of revolutionary ideas. The last time that Pluto moved through Aquarius was from 1778 until 1798, during which time the world saw the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. 

When our first solar eclipse of the year arrives in courageous Aries on April 19 or 20, depending on your time zone, exciting opportunities await. Solar eclipses tend to function like super-powered new moons, bringing about changes that can play a role in fuelling your soul's growth. If this eclipse heralds a particularly significant transition, you may feel pressured to act swiftly. Instead, take a moment to slow down and consider the ramifications of any potential decisions. Then you'll be able to rise to the challenge. 

On May 5, a complementary lunar eclipse arrives in honest Scorpio. These emotion-driving events can help us to better understand our own feelings, and shed habits, people or circumstances that no longer serve us. During this lunar eclipse in Scorpio, you may notice you've been overindulgent in certain areas of your life of late. This is the time to release your emotional crutches and work on becoming more mindful. 

Then, lucky Jupiter enters grounded Taurus on May 16, giving us the chance to manifest abundance in a new way. Last year, when Jupiter moved through competitive Aries, he encouraged us to create new opportunities for ourselves. In contrast, with Jupiter in this fixed earth sign, we'll be able to make the most progress when we harness our patience, compassion and generosity. Over the next 12 months, it's important to focus on being happy with what we've got so we don't risk scattering our energy by chasing multiple goals. 

A second pair of eclipses arrives in October. The first, on Oct. 14, will see the moon shroud the sun in charming Libra. This solar eclipse could offer you a chance to get out of your comfort zone. You may even be inspired to expand your thinking and accept an optimistic new worldview. Transformations will come to fruition on their own, so you don't have to worry about actively taking steps to change your life during this time. 

Then, strong emotions could bubble to the surface on Oct. 28 as a lunar eclipse in security-loving Taurus reveals new insights. During this eclipse, we may also discover ways to let out our inner performer and exercise more self-confidence, creativity and playfulness. Listen to your heart as you explore untapped facets of your personality during this transit. 

Here is your horoscope for 2023:

Aries

Looking inward will help you to find the success you crave this year, Aries. On March 7, Saturn — your career-ruling planet — enters dreamy Pisces, illuminating your 12th house of secrets, dreams and emotions, and encouraging you to focus on self-improvement to reach the next level at work. Embracing a spirit of humility will also help you to shake old habits that are no longer working for you. Use this transit to rebuild your idea of professional growth so that you can truly find your purpose. 

Then, you could be ready to integrate new ways of learning into your life when Jupiter, your academic ruler, enters dependable Taurus on May 16. The planet of expansion and prosperity will brighten your second house of value, possessions and talents, inspiring you to invest in your thirst for knowledge. Over the next 12 months, focus on enlightening yourself to the perspectives of others to gain a richer worldview. 

Taurus

Your social circle could inspire you to make significant changes this year, Taurus. On March 7, when philosophical Saturn enters adaptable Pisces in your 11th house of friendships and goals, you may feel called to take on more responsibility when it comes to spending time with your nearest and dearest. This transit could also encourage you to pool your talents with your friends and embark on a new creative or business project together. 

Later in the month, Pluto — your love-ruling planet — enters intellectual Aquarius and illuminates your 10th house of public image and career. If you're single, that could mean that this year, you'll be focused on finding your perfect match on paper. Just be sure you're looking for someone who supports your varied interests and aspirations, too. If you're in a relationship, communicating your goals for the future will be of utmost importance during this time.

Gemini

You may feel called to reinvent yourself in the coming year, Gemini. On March 23, Pluto — your health and work ruler — will move into independent Aquarius and your ninth house of philosophy and education. This transit could inspire you to take a whole new approach to your day-to-day schedule. Seeking out wellness practices you may not have tried before could be a great way to break out of any ruts you may stumble into in the process. 

Then, on May 16, you'll have a chance to get off any emotional roller-coasters you may be on when Jupiter — your love-ruling planet — enters stable Taurus. As the planet of abundance moves through your 12th house of dreams, secrets and emotions over the next year, listening to your intuition will be key to navigating matters of the heart. But whether you're single or attached, your priority during this time should be learning how to love yourself more fully.

Cancer

What sparks your romantic interest, Cancer? You may feel a shift in what you're attracted to after March 7, when Saturn — your love-ruling planet — enters thoughtful Pisces. If you're single, you could find yourself connecting with someone unexpected, urging you to put in extra effort to show your affection. Partnered crabs may start to crave adventure and feel ready to look at their shared worlds through a new lens. 

Meanwhile, the key to staying accountable to your wellness goals this year could be as simple as involving your friends. Routine-ruling Jupiter enters patient Taurus on May 16, and will spend the next year in your 11th house of friendships and goals, encouraging you to embrace a more community-oriented attitude toward your well-being. Just remember that life is meant to be enjoyed during this period, so try not to over-commit to events and activities. This relaxed transit is less about pumping iron and more about soothing your mind, body and spirit. 

Leo

Release others' expectations of you, Leo. When Saturn, your health-and-work-ruling planet, moves into intuitive Pisces on March 7, focus instead on connecting with the sides of yourself that you typically keep hidden. As the ringed planet traverses through your eighth house of shared resources and transformation over the next three years, significant life issues may be brought to your attention. Consider how you'd like to take care of your physical and financial well-being in the future — taking a proactive approach could bring you peace of mind.

Meanwhile, if you find your mind swimming with wild and wonderful ideas for your space, remember to check in with your loved ones before making any big moves. As Pluto, your domestic-ruling planet, enters imaginative Aquarius and illuminates your seventh house of relationships on March 23, you'll be ready to set off on an adventure to create the oasis of your dreams. Keeping the lines of communication open with the people you trust the most will help you make the right choices for your home during this time. 

Virgo

Don't be afraid to experiment, Virgo. It's easy for you to get caught up in trying to become the best at something, but there is a particular delight in learning something new. So as Saturn, your pleasure-ruling planet, enters psychic Pisces on March 7, let your intuition guide you toward your next hobby. If you're in a relationship, you may want to involve your loved one in these activities. The planet of structure will also be moving into your seventh house of relationships and partnerships, encouraging you to find ways to have fun together. If you're single, signing up for a new activity could be a great way to meet someone who shares your interests. 

Then, as Jupiter, your domestic ruler, enters productive Taurus in May, you could find yourself looking for ways to revamp your home or even switch up where you live. Creating or finding a space where you can explore all sorts of intellectual interests will be your primary focus as the planet of luck highlights your ninth house of philosophy and education over the next 12 months. 

Libra

Does thinking about cash give you an "ick" feeling, Libra? On March 23, your money-minded planet, Pluto, will enter forward-thinking Aquarius in your fifth house of creativity and pleasure, inspiring you to gather new and varied perspectives on wealth. Finding a balance between having fun and spending wisely will help you gain more appreciation for living in the moment as Pluto continues in this idealistic sign for the next two decades. 

Meanwhile, if you've ever had trouble broaching tough subjects, you could find them easier to navigate once Jupiter, your communication ruler, enters stable Taurus on May 16. As the bountiful planet inhabits your eighth house of sex and death over the next 12 months, it's also essential that you act with discernment — especially if you're responsible for family members and loved ones. People may use you as a shoulder to lean on, so be sure you also have an outlet to build yourself up during this time. 

Scorpio

Domestic matters could take new precedence in your life this year, Scorpio. Pluto, your ruling planet, enters altruistic Aquarius on March 23, and will reside in your fourth house of home and family for the next two decades, imploring you to act with your foundations in mind. While it has the potential to draw you closer to your loved ones, it could also alter how you relate to them. Finding ways to set yourself apart from others will be important as you work on creating your dream space during this period.

Then, when Jupiter, your financial ruler, enters persistent Taurus on May 16, you may become more aware of just how much others rely on you. The planet of abundance will illuminate your seventh house of relationships and partnerships for the next 12 months. If you're single, this could highlight some vital questions to address when you enter your next serious relationship: when to create an emergency fund, how to share expenses, and so forth. Partnered Scorpios may find that it's an excellent time to work out a budget that still leaves wiggle room for fun.  

Sagittarius

Do earthly matters drain you, Sagittarius? Not having a solution to the world's problems may frustrate you, but you'll be able to move into a more empowering mindset when Pluto — which governs your spiritual life — enters progressive Aquarius on March 23. As the power planet travels through your third house of communication and short travel, you could be in an ideal position to make an impact in your community at a grassroots level. Follow your gut and seek out like-minded people to join your cause. 

You'll be in the right state of mind to take care of your responsibilities when your ruling planet, Jupiter, moves into dependable Taurus in May. The planet of prosperity and abundance will also illuminate your sixth house of work and health during this period, encouraging you to keep your schedule simple. If you can focus on doing the little things well, you'll be able to establish a seamless agenda in no time. 

Capricorn

Your social skills could be in for a workout, Capricorn. On March 7, Saturn — your ruling planet — will enter open-minded Pisces in your third house of communication, encouraging you to become more accepting of and engaged with others. If these past few years have left you feeling a bit cloistered, this transit could have you feeling ready to venture back into your community to connect with people who inspire you. The ringed planet is here to help you adopt new habits that will help you make friends and engage in stimulating conversations.  

Meanwhile, your attitude will become unsinkable when Jupiter, which rules your spiritual life, enters reliable Taurus on May 16. While the planet of luck sashays through your fifth house of creativity and pleasure, people will be drawn to your lighter energy. It's important that you make time for mindfulness to help you stay grounded during this transit. Connecting with the hidden sides of yourself could also offer you a chance to relax and fall in love with life again. 

Aquarius

How do you balance your material and immaterial needs, Aquarius? On March 7, Saturn, which governs your spiritual life, will enter empathetic Pisces, helping you understand how you might bring the intangible to life. As the planet of preservation moves through your second house of value and possessions over the next three years, you'll also have the chance to reassess your self-worth. Becoming more accountable for your actions will allow you to strengthen your pride — and possibly even your financial position.

You could be on the brink of an exciting new chapter in your professional life when Pluto, your career-ruling planet, enters individualistic Aquarius on March 23. Pluto will illuminate your first house of appearances and the self for the next two decades, allowing your star to shine brightly. This transit presents the ideal circumstances for setting out on your own or exploring a fulfilling new career. 

Pisces

Life is precious, Pisces. As Saturn — which oversees your relationship to time — enters receptive Pisces on March 7, you may become more aware of your own mortality. With the ringed planet illuminating your first house of appearances and the self for the next three years, you'll be inspired to take better care of yourself from the inside out. 

Then, as Jupiter, your career ruler, enters tenacious Taurus on May 16, prepare to have all sorts of meetings on the books. The lucky planet will be moving into your third house of communication and short travel for the next 12 months, filling your calendar with new conversations and opportunities. If you find yourself travelling or commuting more for work, plan ahead to ensure you're always able to put your best foot forward. Spending your time wisely will be the key to success during this period.

Bryanna Collier is an astrology and fashion writer. Her work focuses on astrology, personal style, and how the two intersect. Follow her work at The Star Crossed.